Chicago-based indie rock band, Relevant Reverence, hopes to bring a new understanding of the parable of the prodigal son with their debut album, “Still Running.”
“It’s the other son in the story, the older son, that metaphorically represented the majority of Jesus’ original audience, and whose story is much more relatable to the majority of those in the Church today,” contends lead singer, Eric Olsen.
The record’s title, “Still Running”, plays off the heart conditions of both brothers. As the album proceeds chronologically through the parable like a musical, the listener comes across three story lines. One of the prodigal and his run away from, and back, home. The second of the father, who runs to embrace his lost son. And the third of the older son, whose “still” running is an apathetic avoidance of enjoying all that has been given to him.
Band members Eric Olsen and Matt Johnson met at Bradley University in Peoria, IL and bring indie-rock instrumentalism, erratic guitars and innovative melodies to this debut album. Fans have likened the band’s style to artists such as Sufjan Stevens, Wilco and Jars of Clay.
Johnson jokes, “I don’t really think we sound too much like anyone else. Not because we’re all that original, but just because we steal from so many different artist’s identities.”
Streaming audio from selected songs as well as album purchase is available at www.relevantreverence.com or on iTunes. 10% of all proceeds from the album will be invested in third-world entrepreneurship through Kiva.org.
